Utah critics honor Cohen, Cuaron

Kikuchi, Sheen named in supporting categories

Utah critics joined New York and Utah scribes in naming “United 93″ as the pic of the year at the Utah Film Critics Association Awards. The critics also continued Helen Mirren’s winning ways with another win for her portrayal of Elizabeth II in “The Queen.”

However, Utah critics broke away from the usual favorites by unanimously naming Sacha Baron Cohen in the best actor category and giving helmer Alfonso Cuaron the top prize for best director for his sci-fier “Children of Men.”

The critics went off the track in the supporting categories as well. Rinko Kikuchi won for “Babel” and Michael Sheen took top honors for “The Queen.”

In the screenplay category, Rian Johnson beat out Paul Greengrass for “Brick.”

The Utah Film Critics Association Awards were announced on Dec. 28 and consists of 11 members from print, television, and other media outlets.